While Elena Rybakina managed to win her first title in over a year, a cloud still looms large in regards to her banned coach Stefano Vukov who of course is not there at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. But he was mentioned in her final speech.
Rybakina made her first final in 13 months. She won that title in Stuttgart. A lot has changed but a lot has stayed the same since. The Kazakh learned to drive in that intervening period after winning a Porsche. But also she still remains coached by Vukov albeit not officially with the Croatian banned by the tour for a year.
Rybakina went into the final against Liudmila Samsonova with a 1-4 record and is now back up towards the top 10 going into Roland Garros. It should give her a healthy boost going into the tournament.
“Davide, you’re here alone, but I have a good and big team,” she said referring to Davide Sanguinetti who stepped into the breach prior to Vukov being banned.
“Thank you to my fitness coach, physio, Stefano (Vukov) and of course thank you to my family and all the sponsors for your support,” Rybakina said.
That Stefano being Vukov who has still managed to maintain a handle on Rybakina despite being banned. He was pictured training her in Dubai during the break before the Billie Jean King Cup on courts that aren't WTA sanctioned so he is allowed to do so.
He was suspended in February for violating its code of conduct. Portia Archer, chief executive of the WTA wrote in the letter sent to Vukov among his breaches included: “Engaging in abuse of authority and abusive conduct towards the WTA Player, including compromising or attempting to compromise the psychological, physical or emotional well-being of the Player.”
But while that is the case, there is no directive it seems on Rybakina who was mooted by the investigation too to be in a romantic relationship with Vukov facing sanctions for still having his involvement and it is very much a front facing ban over a backwards one. Sanguinetti who said he speaks to Vukov said himself that he believes he will always be there and even in this title, he remains in the forefront despite the ban.
TITLE NO. 9️⃣
— wta (@WTA) May 24, 2025
Elena Rybakina captures her first title in over a year after defeating Samsonova 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-1!#IS25 pic.twitter.com/QqNY2qxn2H
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 5visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
